Barry Zito and Brad Halsey pitch today and tomorrow, respectively, (and hopefully respectably), against a Devil Rays team that is 0-6 against lefties so far this season. However, looking at the Devil Rays' stats, not much really stands out to explain any great success or failure against southpaws. But for kicks, I have noted the few notable "vs. LHP" stats. Zito's opponent today is Seth McClung, a right-hander who was drafted from the same Vital Organs farm team that has produced Johnny McLiver and Ambiorix McSpleen.
The starting lineups:
Lugo
Crawford
Gomes (13/28, .464)
Huff
Wiggington
Lee (5/ 26, .192)
Branyon (0/7, .000)
Paul
Gathright
In the lineup: Lee and Branyon, but not in the lineup: Toby Hall (8/22, .364). Does Maddon perhaps mistakenly believe that Barry Zito is right-handed? Meanwhile, you can chew on this:
Kendall
Swisher
Kotsay
Chavy
Crosby
Melhuse (DH)
Payton
Johnson
Scutaro
